BYU-Idaho to host regional automotive competition

March 9, 2011Writer: Writer: Andy Cargal

More than 70 students representing three colleges and 13 high schools from Burly to Bear Lake, will gather at Brigham Young University-Idaho for the SkillsUSA Eastern Idaho automotive competition March 15.

"Nationwide, more than 20,000 college and high school automotive students will start competing at the regional level," said Justin Miller, automotive program coordinator. "Maybe the rest of this quote could be about why BYU-Idaho was chosen to host the event."

The eight-hour competition will test students on diagnosing electrical problems, engine component identification, transmissions, cooling systems, computer systems, and brakes, among other things. "This allows BYU-Idaho students to provide service, become teachers, and assist in the subjects that will be judged," said Miller.

SkillsUSA is an organization designed to serve students at high school and college levels to prepare them for careers in their occupations. The top three winners will receive honorary awards and advance to the state competition. The competition will start at 8 a.m. in the Mark Austin Building.

"The participants and volunteers enjoy the opportunity to teach and learn from each other," said Miller. "People who come tend to leave with a very favorable opinion of the school and Department of Automotive Technology."